Why is much of the traditional knowledge of Indian farmers, like the…

Why is much of the traditional knowledge of Indian farmers, like the many traditional varieties of seeds, being lost?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Hybrid and genetically modified seeds are promoted as more productive

Option (1) Tenant-cultivators who kept these seeds were displaced by landowners — Incorrect. The eviction of tenants by landowners is linked to land reforms, as landowners tried to escape tenancy laws. It has nothing to do with the loss of traditional seed varieties.

Option (2) Hybrid and genetically modified seeds are promoted as more productive — Correct. Farmers built up deep traditional knowledge over centuries, including many local seed varieties. This knowledge is being lost because hybrid, high-yielding and genetically modified seeds are promoted as more productive and scientific.

Option (3) Rural people believe traditional varieties are less healthy than hybrids — Incorrect. The belief is reversed. Many rural people think hybrid varieties are less healthy than the traditional ones.

Option (4) Farmers' movements have urged a shift away from organic seeds — Incorrect. Farmers' movements push the other way. Along with many scientists, they now suggest a return to traditional, more organic seeds and methods.

NCERT (2026-27): “4.3 The Green Revolution and its Social Consequences …
Often it is thought that imparting knowledge of ‘scientific’ farming methods will improve the conditions of Indian farmers. We should remember that Indian farmers have been cultivating the land for centuries, much before the advent of the Green Revolution. They have very deep and extensive traditional knowledge about the land they till and the crops they sow. Much of this knowledge, like the many traditional varieties of seeds that were developed over the centuries by farmers, is being lost as hybrid, high-yielding, and genetically modified varieties of seeds are being promoted as more productive and ‘scientific’ (Gupta 1998; Vasavi 1999b). In view of the negative environmental and social impact of modern methods of cultivation that have been observed, a number of scientists as well as farmers’ movements now suggest a return to traditional, more organic seeds and methods of cultivation. Many rural people themselves believe that hybrid varieties are less healthy than the traditional ones.”

Why is much of the traditional knowledge of Indian farmers, like the many traditional varieties of seeds, being lost?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Hybrid and genetically modified seeds are promoted as more productive